Analyte testing method and system

ABSTRACT

Various systems and methods of operating an analyte measurement device is provided. The device has a display, user interface, processor, memory and user interface buttons. In one example, one of the methods can be achieved by measuring an analyte with the analyte measurement device; displaying a value representative of the analyte; prompting a user to activate a test reminder; and activating the test reminder to remind a user to conduct a test measurement at a different time. Other methods and systems are also described and illustrated.

PRIORITY

This DIVISIONAL application claims the benefits of priority under 35 USC§§120 and 121 from prior filed U.S. application Ser. No. 12/408,613filed on Mar. 20, 2009, allowed, which prior filed application (Ser. No.12/408,613) claims the benefits of priority under 35 USC §119 and/or§120 from prior filed U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.61/038,624 filed on Mar. 21, 2008 , in which all prior filedapplications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety intothis application.

BACKGROUND

Glucose monitoring is a fact of everyday life for diabetic individuals.The accuracy of such monitoring can significantly affect the health andultimately the quality of life of the person with diabetes. Generally, adiabetic patient measures blood glucose levels several times a day tomonitor and control blood sugar levels. Failure to test blood glucoselevels accurately and on a regular basis can result in seriousdiabetes-related complications, including cardiovascular disease, kidneydisease, nerve damage and blindness. There are a number of electronicdevices currently available which enable an individual to test theglucose level in a small sample of blood. One such glucose meter is theOneTouch® Profile™ glucose meter, a product which is manufactured byLifescan Inc.

In addition to glucose monitoring, diabetic individuals often have tomaintain tight control over their lifestyle, so that they are notadversely affected by, for example, irregular food consumption orexercise. In addition, a physician dealing with a particular diabeticindividual requires detailed information on the lifestyle of theindividual to provide effective treatment or modification of treatmentfor controlling diabetes. Currently, one of the ways of monitoring thelifestyle of an individual with diabetes has been for the individual tokeep a paper logbook of their lifestyle, and to test their blood glucoseon a regular basis, particularly before meals, after meals, and whenfasting. Another way is for an individual to simply rely on rememberingfacts about their lifestyle and when they test, and then relay thesedetails to their physician on each visit.

The aforementioned methods of recording lifestyle information areinherently difficult, time consuming, and possibly inaccurate. It's easyto forget to test, and paper logbooks are not always carried by anindividual and may not be accurately completed when required. Paperlogbooks are small and it is difficult to enter detailed informationrequiring detailed descriptors of lifestyle events. Furthermore, anindividual may often forget key facts about their lifestyle whenquestioned by a physician who has to manually review and interpretinformation from a hand-written notebook. There is no analysis providedby the paper logbook to distil or separate the component information,and there is no way for a paper logbook to proactively remind a user totest. Also, there are no graphical reductions or summary of theinformation. Entry of data into a secondary data storage system, such asa database or other electronic system, requires a laborioustranscription of information, including lifestyle data, into thissecondary data storage. Difficulty of data recordation encouragesretrospective entry of pertinent information that results in inaccurateand incomplete records.

Moreover, a diabetic individual often has to keep a plurality of deviceson their person for diagnosis and treatment, for example both glucoselevel monitoring equipment and medication. Hence, having to carry paperrecords of their lifestyle and a log of when they test is an addedunwanted burden, and entry of data therein is very time consuming.

There currently exist a number of portable electronic devices that canmeasure glucose levels in an individual and store the levels forrecalling or uploading to another computer for analysis. One such deviceis the Accu-Check™ Complete™ System from Roche Diagnostics, whichprovides limited functionality for storing lifestyle data. However, theAccu-Check™ Complete™ System only permits a limited selection oflifestyle variables to be stored in a meter. There is a no intelligentfeedback from values previously entered into the meter and the userinterface is unintuitive for an infrequent user of the meter. Inaddition, there is no convenient way to remind the user when to test,and to assure that tests are being conducted at appropriate times.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Applicants have recognized a need for an electronic device that remindsthe user when to test and that provides assurance that tests are beingconducted and recorded at appropriate times. Such device must beintuitive and easier to use, thereby encouraging an individual to testat appropriate times. Appropriate times should be taken to mean timesthat are particularly relevant to management of diabetes, and whichmight affect or represent an individual's physical condition. Examplesof appropriate times are before and after food consumption, before andafter physical exertion (e.g. exercise), before and after medicationintake, and after fasting.

In view of the foregoing and in accordance with one aspect, there isprovided a method of operating an analyte measurement device having adisplay, user interface, processor, memory and user interface buttons,the method can be achieved by measuring an analyte with the analytemeasurement device; displaying a value representative of the analyte;prompting a user to activate a test reminder; and activating the testreminder to remind a user to conduct a test measurement at a differenttime.

In an embodiment, the prompting includes repetitively flashing on thedisplay an icon representative of one of the user interface buttons toprompt a selection of such user interface button.

In an embodiment, the prompting includes illuminating one of the userinterface buttons to prompt a selection of such user interface button.

In an embodiment, the method further includes disabling all of the userinterface buttons except for one of the user interface buttons.

In an embodiment, the user interface buttons include an up button, adown button, an enter button, and a test reminder button.

In an embodiment, the test reminder includes a before meal test reminderor an after meal test reminder.

In an embodiment, the test reminder includes an after meal testreminder.

In an embodiment, the prompting includes always prompting a userwhenever a measuring step has been completed.

In an embodiment, the prompting includes prompting a user whenever ameasuring step was taken before a meal.

In an embodiment, the activating includes storing in memory the date andtime to display the test reminder.

In an embodiment, the analyte measurement device includes a glucosemeter.

In an embodiment, the measuring includes inserting a test strip into astrip port provided by the measurement device; and depositing a bloodsample on a testing portion of the test strip without entering acalibration parameter for the test strip.

In an embodiment, the measuring includes inserting a test strip into astrip port provided by the measurement device; inputting a calibrationparameter for the test strip via the user interface buttons of thedevice; and depositing a blood sample on a testing portion of the teststrip.

In an embodiment, the inserting includes turning on the measurementdevice when the strip is fully inserted into the strip port.

In an embodiment, the plurality of menus to be displayed is selected.

In an embodiment, the plurality of menus includes at least one time forthe test reminder.

In view of the foregoing and in accordance with another aspect, there isprovided a method of operating an analyte measurement device having adisplay, user interface, processor, memory and user interface buttons,the method can be achieved by pressing one of the user interface buttonsto turn the analyte measurement device on, prompting a user to confirmselection of a test reminder, and pressing one of the user interfacebuttons to confirm selection of a test reminder.

In an embodiment, the prompting includes repetitively flashing on thedisplay an icon representative of one of the user interface buttons toprompt selection of such user interface button.

In an embodiment, the prompting includes illuminating one of the userinterface buttons to prompt a selection of such user interface button.

In an embodiment, the method further includes disabling all of the userinterface buttons except for one of the user interface buttons.

In an embodiment, the user interface buttons include an up button, adown button, an enter button, and a test reminder button.

In an embodiment, the test reminder includes a before meal test reminderor an after meal test reminder.

In an embodiment, the test reminder includes an after meal testreminder.

In an embodiment, the confirming includes storing in memory the date andtime to display the test reminder.

In an embodiment, the analyte measurement device includes a glucosemeter.

In an embodiment, the plurality of menus to be displayed is selected.

In an embodiment, the plurality of menus includes at least one time forthe test reminder.

In view of the foregoing and in accordance with another aspect, there isprovided an analyte measurement device comprising a housing having: astrip port coupled to an analyte measurement unit; a processor coupledto the analyte measurement unit, a memory, user interface input, and adisplay driver; a display unit coupled to the display driver; and aplurality of user interface buttons including a test reminder button sothat upon activation of the test reminder button, a time and date can bestored in the memory to remind the user to conduct a measurement.

These and other embodiments, features and advantages will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art when taken with reference to thefollowing more detailed description of the invention in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings that are first briefly described.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitutepart of this specification, illustrate presently preferred embodimentsof the invention, and, together with the general description given aboveand the detailed description given below, serve to explain features ofthe invention (wherein like numerals represent like elements), of which:

FIG. 1 is an exemplary plan view of an analyte measurement device,according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating the principal internalcomponents of an analyte measurement device, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating a method of operating ananalyte measurement device, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating a method of operating ananalyte measurement device when only a single user interface button onthe analyte measurement device is active, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating a method of operating ananalyte measurement device where a user is prompted to activate a testreminder whenever a previous measuring process was taken before a meal,according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating a method of operating ananalyte measurement device where the date and time to display a testreminder are stored in the memory of an analyte measurement device,according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating a method of operating ananalyte measurement device after inserting a test strip into a stripport in the analyte measurement device, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating a method of operating ananalyte measurement device after inserting a test strip into a stripport in the analyte measurement device and either entering or confirmingcalibration parameters of the test strip, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating a method of operating ananalyte measurement device after inserting a test strip into a stripport in the analyte measurement device thereby turning the analytemeasurement device on, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 10 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating a method of operating ananalyte measurement device where the analyte measurement device isturned on by pressing a user interface button, a user is prompted toconfirm selection of a test reminder, and a user interface button ispressed to confirm selection of a test reminder, according to anembodiment.

FIG. 11 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating a method of operating ananalyte measurement device when only a single user interface button onthe analyte measurement device is active, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 12 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating a method of operating ananalyte measurement device where the date and time to display a testreminder are stored in the memory of an analyte measurement device,according to an embodiment.

FIG. 13 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating a method of operating ananalyte measurement device and actions taken by the analyte measurementdevice, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The following detailed description should be read with reference to thedrawings, in which like elements in different drawings are identicallynumbered. The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depictselected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of theinvention. The detailed description illustrates by way of example, notby way of limitation, the principles of the invention. This descriptionwill clearly enable one skilled in the art to make and use theinvention, and describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations,alternatives and uses of the invention, including what is presentlybelieved to be the best mode of carrying out the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates an analyte measurement device 100, for testingglucose levels in the blood of an individual. Analyte measurement device100 may include user interface buttons (106, 108, 110, 114) for entry ofdata, navigation of menus, and execution of commands. Data can includevalues representative of analyte concentration, and/or information,which are related to the everyday lifestyle of an individual.Information, which is related to the everyday lifestyle, can includefood intake, medication use, the occurrence of health check-ups andgeneral health condition and exercise levels of an individual. Analytemeasurement device 100 also may include display 104. Display 104 can beused to report measured glucose levels, and to facilitate entry oflifestyle related information.

Analyte measurement device 100 may include first user interface button106, second user interface button 108, third user interface button 110,and test reminder button 114. User interface buttons 106, 108, and 110facilitate entry and analysis of data stored in the testing device,enabling a user to navigate through the user interface displayed ondisplay 104. Test reminder button 114 allows test reminders to be set.User interface buttons 106, 108, and 110 include first marking 107,second marking 109, and third marking 111, which help in correlatinguser interface buttons to characters on display 104. Test reminderbutton 114 can include markings as well, helping to correlate testreminder button 114 with to characters on display 104.

Analyte measurement device 100 can be turned on by inserting a teststrip 10 into strip port 112, by pressing and briefly holding first userinterface button 106, or when data traffic is detected across optionaldata port 113. Analyte measurement device 100 can be switched off byremoving the test strip 10, pressing and briefly holding first userinterface button 106, navigating to and selecting a meter off optionfrom a main menu screen, or by not pressing any buttons for apredetermined time. Display 104 can optionally include a backlight. Thetest strip port 112 may include its own light source or the port 112 mayshare a common light source with the backlight for the display 104.

Data port 113 is optional, and accepts a suitable connector attached toa connecting lead, thereby allowing analyte measurement device 100 to belinked to an external device such as a personal computer. Data port 113can be any port that allows for transmission of data (serial orparallel) such as, for example, serial or parallel port in wired orwireless form. A personal computer, running appropriate software, allowsentry and modification of set-up information (e.g. the current time,date, and language), and can perform analysis of data collected byanalyte measurement device 100. In addition, the personal computer maybe able to perform advanced analysis functions, and/or transmit data toother computers (i.e. over the internet) for improved diagnosis andtreatment. Connecting analyte measurement device 100 with a local orremote computer facilitates improved treatment by health care providers.

Referring to FIG. 2, an exemplary internal layout of analyte measurementdevice 100 is shown. Analyte measurement device 100 may include aprocessor 200, which in some embodiments described and illustratedherein is a 32-bit RISC microcontroller. The processor can bebi-directionally connected via I/O ports 214 to memory 202, which insome embodiments described and illustrated herein is an EEPROM. Alsoconnected to processor 200 via I/O ports 214 are the data port 113, theuser interface buttons 106, 108, 110, and 114, and a display driver 236.Data port 113 can be connected to processor 200, thereby enablingtransfer of data between memory 202 and an external device, such as apersonal computer. User interface buttons 106, 108, 110, and 114 aredirectly connected to processor 200. Processor 200 controls display 104via display driver 236.

In one embodiment, analyte measurement device 100 may include anApplication Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) 204, providing electroniccircuitry used in measurements of glucose level in blood that has beenapplied to a test strip 10 inserted into strip port 112. Analog voltagescan pass to and from ASIC 204 by way of analog interface 205. Analogsignals from analog interface 205 can be converted to digital signals byA/D converter 216. Processor 200 further may include core 208, ROM 210(containing computer code), RAM 212, and clock 218. In one embodiment,the processor 200 is configured (or programmed) to disable all of theuser interface buttons except for a single button upon a display of ananalyte value by the display unit such as, for example, during a timeperiod after an analyte measurement. In an alternative embodiment, theprocessor 200 is configured (or programmed) to ignore any input from allof the user interface buttons except for a single button upon a displayof an analyte value by the display unit.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating a method of operating ananalyte measurement device, according to an embodiment described andillustrated herein. Method 300 may include processes 302, 304, 306, and308. In process 302, an analyte-measuring device measures an analyte. Inprocess 304, the analyte measuring device displays a valuerepresentative of the analyte. In process 306, the analyte measuringdevice prompts the user to activate a test reminder. In process 308, theuser activates a test reminder to remind a user to conduct a testmeasurement at a different time. In any embodiments described andillustrated herein, the analyte measurement device may include adisplay, a user interface, a processor, a memory and user interfacebuttons. Prompting may include repetitively flashing on the display anicon representative of one of the user interface buttons to promptselection of such user interface button. Alternatively, prompting mayinclude illuminating at least one of the user interface buttons toprompt selection of at least one user interface button. It is noted thatthe reminder is not limited to before meal or after meal but can beutilized any specific time selected by the user, patient or physician.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating a method of operating ananalyte measurement device when only a single user interface button onthe analyte measurement device is active, according to an embodimentdescribed and illustrated herein. Method 400 may include processes 402,404, 406, 408, and 410. In process 402, an analyte-measuring devicemeasures an analyte. In process 404, the analyte measuring devicedisplays a value representative of the analyte. In process 406, theanalyte measuring device prompts the user to activate a test reminder.In process 408, the analyte measuring device deactivates all but asingle user interface button. In process 410, the user activates thetest reminder to remind the user to conduct a test measurement at adifferent time. User interface buttons may include an “up” button, a“down” button, an “enter” or “OK” button, and a test reminder button. Inany embodiments described and illustrated herein, the test reminder caninclude a before meal test reminder or an after meal test reminder.Alternatively, the test reminder can be an after meal test reminder.

FIG. 5 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating a method of operating ananalyte measurement device where a user is prompted to activate a testreminder whenever a previous measuring process was taken before a meal,according to an embodiment described and illustrated herein. Method 500may include processes 502, 504, 506, and 508. In process 502, ananalyte-measuring device measures an analyte. In process 504, theanalyte measuring device displays a value representative of the analyte.In process 506, the analyte measuring device prompts the user toactivate a test reminder whenever a previous measuring process was takenbefore a meal. In process 508, the user activates a test reminder toremind the user to conduct a test measurement at a different time. Inany embodiments described and illustrated herein, the analyte measuringdevice may prompt the user to activate a test reminder whenever ameasuring process has been completed.

FIG. 6 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating a method of operating ananalyte measurement device where the date and time to display a testreminder are stored in the memory of an analyte measurement device,according to an embodiment described and illustrated herein. Method 600may include processes 602, 604, 606, and 608. In process 602, ananalyte-measuring device measures an analyte. In process 604, theanalyte measuring device displays a value representative of the analyte.In process 606, the analyte measuring device prompts the user toactivate a test reminder. In process 608, the user activates a testreminder to remind the user to conduct a test measurement at a differenttime by storing in the memory of the analyte measurement device the dateand time to display the test reminder. In any embodiments described andillustrated herein, the analyte measuring device may include a glucosemeter.

FIG. 7 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating a method of operating ananalyte measurement device after inserting a test strip 10 into a stripport 112 in the analyte measurement device, according to an embodimentdescribed and illustrated herein. Method 700 may include processes 702,704, 706, 708, and 710. In process 702, a test strip 10 is inserted intoa strip port in an analyte measurement device. In process 704, blood isapplied to a test portion (the portion distal from the strip port 112)of the test strip 10 without entering or confirming calibrationparameters of the test strip 10. In process 706, the analyte measuringdevice displays a value representative of the analyte. In process 708,the analyte measuring device prompts the user to activate a testreminder. In process 710, the user activates a test reminder to remindthe user to conduct a test measurement at a different time. In anyembodiments described and illustrated herein, measuring may include:inserting a test strip 10 into a strip port in the analyte measurementdevice, then depositing a sample of blood on a testing portion of thetest strip 10 without entering a calibration parameter for the teststrip 10.

FIG. 8 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating a method of operating ananalyte measurement device after inserting a test strip 10 into a stripport in the analyte measurement device and either entering or confirmingcalibration parameters of the test strip 10, according to an embodimentdescribed and illustrated herein. Method 800 may include processes 802,804, 806, 808, and 810. In process 802, a test strip 10 is inserted intoa strip port in an analyte measurement device. In process 804, blood isapplied to a test portion of the test strip 10 after entering orconfirming calibration parameters of the test strip 10. In process 806,the analyte measuring device displays a value representative of theanalyte. In process 808, the analyte measuring device prompts the userto activate a test reminder. In process 810, the user activates a testreminder to remind the user to conduct a test measurement at a differenttime. In any embodiments described and illustrated herein, the measuringmay include: inserting a test strip 10 into a strip port in themeasurement device; inputting a calibration parameter for the test strip10 via the user interface buttons of the device; and depositing a bloodsample on a testing portion of the test strip 10.

FIG. 9 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating a method of operating ananalyte measurement device after inserting a test strip 10 into a stripport in the analyte measurement device thereby turning the analytemeasurement device on. Method 900 may include processes 902, 904, 906,908, and 910. In process 902, a test strip 10 is inserted into a stripport in an analyte measurement device, thereby turning it on. In process904, blood is applied to a test portion of the test strip 10 withoutentering or confirming calibration parameters of the test strip 10. Inprocess 906, the analyte measuring device displays a valuerepresentative of the analyte. In process 908, the analyte measuringdevice prompts the user to activate a test reminder. In process 910, theuser activates a test reminder to remind the user to conduct a testmeasurement at a different time. In any embodiments described andillustrated herein, inserting may include turning on the measurementdevice when the strip is fully inserted into the strip port.Alternatively, a plurality of menus may be displayed. In a furtherembodiment, one of a plurality of menus may include at least one amountof elapsed time for the test reminder.

FIG. 10 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating a method of operating ananalyte measurement device where the analyte measurement device isturned on by pressing a user interface button, a user is prompted toconfirm selection of a test reminder, and a user interface button ispressed to confirm selection of a test reminder. Method 1000 may includeprocesses 1002, 1004, and 1006. In process 1002, the user presses a userinterface button to turn the analyte measurement device on. In process1004, the analyte measuring device prompts the user to confirm selectionof a test reminder. In process 1006, the user presses a user interfacebutton to confirm selection of a test reminder. In any embodimentsdescribed and illustrated herein, prompting may include repetitivelyflashing on the display an icon representative of a single userinterface button to prompt selection of the single user interfacebutton. Alternatively, prompting may include illuminating at least oneof the user interface buttons to prompt selection of at least one userinterface button.

FIG. 11 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating a method of operating ananalyte measurement device when only a single user interface button onthe analyte measurement device is active. Method 1100 may includeprocesses 1102, 1104, 1006, and 1108. In process 1102, the user pressesa user interface button to turn the analyte measurement device on. Inprocess 1104, the analyte measuring device prompts the user to confirmselection of a test reminder. In process 1106, all but a single userinterface button on the analyte measurement device are deactivated. Inprocess 1108, the user presses the single activated user interfacebutton to confirm selection of a test reminder. In any embodimentsdescribed and illustrated herein, the user interface buttons may includean up button, a down button, an enter button, and a test reminderbutton. Alternatively, the test reminder may include a before meal testreminder or an after meal test reminder. In a further embodiment, thetest reminder may include an after meal test reminder.

FIG. 12 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating a method of operating ananalyte measurement device where the date and time to display a testreminder are stored in the memory of an analyte measurement device.Method 1200 may include processes 1202, 1204, and 1206. In process 1202,the user presses a user interface button to turn the analyte measurementdevice on. In process 1204, the analyte measuring device prompts theuser to confirm selection of a test reminder. In process 1206, the userpresses the single activated user interface button to confirm selectionof a test reminder and to store in the memory of said analytemeasurement device the date and time to display said test reminder. Theanalyte measurement device may include a glucose meter. Alternatively,the method may further include selecting a plurality of menus to bedisplayed. In a further alternative, the plurality of menus may includeat least one elapsed time for the test reminder.

FIG. 13 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating a method of operating ananalyte measurement device and actions taken by the analyte measurementdevice. Method 1300 may include processes 1302, 1304, 1306, 1308, 1310,1312, 1314, 1316, 1318, and 1320. In process 1302, a user inserts a teststrip 10 into a strip port in an analyte measurement device. In process1304, the analyte measuring device turns on. In process 1306, theanalyte-measuring device displays an LCD check screen. In process 1308,the analyte measuring device displays a sample application prompt. Inprocess 1310, the user applies sample to the test strip 10. In process1312, the analyte measuring device displays a series of countdownscreens. In process 1314, the analyte measuring device displays a valuerepresentative of the analyte and prompts the user to activate a testreminder. In process 1316, the user optionally activates a testreminder, causing the date and time for the test reminder to bedisplayed to be stored in the memory of the analyte measurement device.In process 1318, the analyte measurement device optionally displays atest reminder confirmation. In process 1320, the analyte measurementdevice turns off after a predetermined time, with or without interactionfrom the user.

In conclusion, the testing device and methods described and illustratedherein significantly reduce obstacles associated with blood glucosetesting. Thus the present invention promotes frequent monitoring fordiabetic individuals by providing a simple, efficient way of reminding auser to test. By testing in the manner described herein, it is easierfor a user to establish proper testing frequency, and provide vitalinformation to health care practitioners.

While the invention has been described in terms of particular variationsand illustrative figures, those of ordinary skill in the art willrecognize that the invention is not limited to the variations or figuresdescribed. In addition, where methods and process described aboveindicate certain events occurring in certain order, those of ordinaryskill in the art will recognize that the ordering of certain process maybe modified and that such modifications are in accordance with thevariations of the invention. Additionally, certain of the process may beperformed concurrently in a parallel process when possible, as well asperformed sequentially as described above. Therefore, to the extentthere are variations of the invention, which are within the spirit ofthe disclosure or equivalent to the inventions found in the claims, itis the intent that this patent will cover those variations as well.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of operating an analyte measurementdevice having a display, user interface, processor, memory and userinterface buttons, the method comprising: pressing one of the userinterface buttons to turn the analyte measurement device on; prompting auser to confirm selection of a test reminder; disabling all of the userinterface buttons except a single user interface button enabled forconfirming the test reminder; and pressing the enabled user interfacebutton to confirm the selection of the test reminder.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, in which the prompting comprises repetitively flashing on thedisplay an icon representative of one of the user interface buttons toprompt selection of such user interface button.
 3. The method of claim1, in which the prompting comprises illuminating one of the userinterface buttons to prompt selection of such user interface button. 4.The method of claim 1, in which the user interface buttons comprise anup button, a down button, an enter button, and a test reminder button.5. The method of claim 1, in which the test reminder comprises a beforemeal test reminder or an after meal test reminder.
 6. The method ofclaim 1, in which the test reminder comprises an after meal testreminder.
 7. The method of claim 1, in which the confirming comprisesstoring in memory the date and time to display the test reminder.
 8. Themethod of claim 1, in which the analyte measurement device comprises aglucose meter.
 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising selecting aplurality of menus to be displayed.
 10. The method of claim 9, in whichthe plurality of menus comprise at least one time for the test reminder.11. An analyte measurement device comprising: a housing having: a stripport coupled to an analyte measurement unit; a processor coupled to theanalyte measurement unit, a memory, user interface input, and a displaydriver; a display unit coupled to the display driver; and a plurality ofuser interface buttons including a test reminder button so that uponactivation of the test reminder button, a time and date can be stored inthe memory to remind the user to conduct a measurement wherein theprocessor is programmed to prompt a user to confirm selection of a testreminder and store the date and time in memory and in which theplurality of user interface buttons are disabled by the device with theexception of the test reminder button after the device has been turnedon.